Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."